exfoliator

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I am a skincare junkie…..ahem lover. Below is a picture of an average night of my skincare routine. Seems elaborate but it truly is what helps me maintain my great skin. However, I get asked all the time about that one magical product that will give someone perfect skin. To which I respond – “that is impossible”. There is no one cleanser, mask, cream or serum that will give you picture perfect, gorgeous skin. However, that being said, read on to see 3 skincare non-negotiables for myskin.

Cleansing Oils/Cleansing Balms

Removing all of my makeup thoroughly is the first step for me in getting and keep clear skin. Typically my nightly cleansing involves two cleansers, but always, and I mean ALWAYS starts with either a cleansing oil or cleansing balm. I find they cut through makeup, grime and oil (ewwww, gross) like no other. And mascara, waterproof or not, is a breeze to remove with either types of these cleansers. Since I have oily skin, it may not seem like oil based anything should be the first thing I should be drawn to but they truly are remarkable. Oil binds to oil, so often the best thing to help manage oily skin and keep it balanced without overdrying it, is in fact cleansing oils or cleansing balms. I always use dry hands and a dry face to apply the cleanser (it takes some getting used to at first), and then add water to emulsify and remove.

Exfoliators

After cleansing, there is nothing I love more than a good ol’ exfoliation. It is vital in helping to reduce hyperpigmentation, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, slough off any dead skin to help reveal more radiant and glowing skin – the latter of the three being my favorite reason of all for exfoliating. Over the years, there has been a drastic improvement in the types of exfoliants available. Gone are the days of those rough and abrasive scrubs that leave your face scratched up and in most cases worse off. Now there are chemical exfoliators that use different acids and enzymes to help gently slough away dead skin cells, refine the skin’s texture and even help to reduce hyperpigmentation. Manual scrubs have also been reformulated to be gentle, yet effective, with enzyme powders being one of my favorite types. I find that the gentle nature of the powder mixed with the enzyme properties of the ingredients help to give a thorough exfoliation minus the redness, flakiness or irritation. I usually exfoliate 2-3/times a week, sometimes more if needed but try never to overdo it which can throw my skin out of balance.

Sunscreen/SPF

I know beauty bloggers, beauty editors, dermatologists tell you to wear sunscreen ad nauseum, but to tell you the truth it really does make a difference. Now don’t get me wrong, your body and skin needs some sun exposure – it’s healthy. Frying yourself at the beach all day without protection – no good. Walking to work every single day without any SPF on – I wouldn’t recommend it. Unhealthy sun exposure can lead to premature aging, sun spots, hyperpigmentation and gasp…wrinkles! Now with all the great formulations out there, you can find sun protection that works for your skin type. With my oily skin, I have found a couple that really wear well throughout the day and even under makeup.

I am incredibly passionate about skincare. Just take a peek at the innards of my medicine cabinet…. obsess much?

Around age 21, which marked the ceremonious start of my battle against adult acne, I embraced skincare lotions and potions with open arms. I have always taken great pride in the care/management of my skin. After all, skin is the body’s largest organ. While many facets of skincare float my boat and light my fire, two groups of products in particular have made the biggest impact on the quality of my skin.

1) Sunscreen

2) Peels

You all now that sunscreen is an absolute MUST for me. I have written countless blog posts on the importance of a daily stand-alone SPF product. In my opinion, sunscreen protects against a multitude of skin issues like pre-mature creasing, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and uneven tone

The second most important area of skincare, in my opinion, is chemical exfoliation….i.e. chemical peels, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic peels, etc.

Earlier this year I wrote about my battle with hyperpigmentation and graphically detailed my process for ridding my skin of dark (nearly black) post acne spots. In the post I discussed the importance of at-home chemical exfoliation. Today I will elaborate on this most important step as well as highlight several products that I have used over the course of the year and ABSOLUTELY LOVE.

I have been d-d-dying to write this post for months and share with you the at-home peels in my life that truly ROCK.com!

If you’re not currently including at-home peels in your skincare regime, sister — you are totally missing out! Peels are incredibly effective at improving texture, increasing luminosity, reducing pore size, correcting uneven tone, and restoring skin’s overall brilliance. Even though I embrace a very complete and through skincare regime overall, I strongly feel that the process of chemical exfoliation is what has made the BIGGEST difference in my skin. Without sounding like a narcissist, because believe me I am not, my skin’s texture is incredibly smooth and brilliant…even when I’m battling a breakout. The pimple is there, don’t get me wrong…but the surrounding skin maintains a certain level of smoothness. And quite honestly, the surrounding “smooth” skin is what keeps me from slitting my wrists when I’m dealing with the routine dastardly cystic zits!

Over the last year I have had the pleasure of trying many at-home peels and I am delighted to share with you my faves! Each product mentioned below is ThisThatBeauty tested. I have used each for at least 4-6 weeks and honestly love them all. I whole-heartedly stand by my recommendations. My rationale behind listing several products is this: I wanted to recommend a variety of products based on various skin types, budget, ease of use, and regional availability (I recently had a Canadian follower email me regarding products that I recommend that are not available in her neck of the woods).

So without further ado, here are my current favorite, most effective at-home chemical peels. I hope that you will find a product that suits your skin type and budget.

ThisThatBeauty Tip: When I used this product for 30 days, I used the acne treatment pads during the day and the glycolic ones for night. Admittedly, I tend to overdue it…and I have a very high tolerance for glycolic products. You might choose to start slow with evenings only.

Talk about an unsung hero…I wish this product received more buzz. I first learned of Actifirm Z Peel a couple of NYFW’s ago and it sat in my beauty closet for months before I decided to give it a whirl. If you’ve got three minutes and ActifirmZPeel, you’re well on your way to brighter and smoother skin. Z Peel is marketed as a “smart” peel that targets specific areas and exfoliates only where you need it. If you’re sensitive to glycolicpeels, you might find this product of interest because it is said to mimic nature’s own exfoliation processes and does not cause excessive redness, scaling or irritation. Instead of glycolic, Actifirm Z Peel uses exfoliating enzyme from Japanese mushroom along with 14 additional botanicals. The formula also includes a soothing cocktail of extracted oils from lavender, coriander and Roman chamomile flowers.

ActifirmZ-Peel is sold in two at-home concentrations – 10% for those with sensitive skin and 15% for folks like me who always want MORE MORE MORE. In fact, I totally wish I lived near a licensed professional who does the professional strength Actifirm Z Peels peels (30-60%). I would absolutely do the occasional in-office peel! $66.30

Naturopathica Glycolic Refining Peel – I cannot say enough wonderful things about this product. In just four minutes a night, this potent exfoliating treatment lives up to its claim. It promotes more youthful and radiant looking skin by increasing cellular renewal. The potent alpha hydroxy treatment is balanced with the inclusion of soothing aloe verato cool and calm the skin. This refining peel contains a concentrated blend of five botanical extracts (bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange, lemon) that contain naturally occurring AHA’s like citric, glycolic, malic and tartaric acids. This one definitely tingles, ladies. The recommend dosage is four minutes per evening. If you’re new to AHA treatments, I highly recommend starting slow with about 1-2 minutes. $68.

For my “go green” girls, try this: jeune d’age organics 5% Glycolic Pumpkin Peel. I have written about this product before, as part of my Hyperpigmentation Series, but could not resist including it in my “fave peels” roundup (in case ya missed it before). jeune d’age organics 5% Glycolic Pumpkin Peel is an excellent product for individuals who prefer organic skincare. Click here for my previous review. Since my review back in May, the brand has launched new packaging! $23.95 *Discontinued*

Get the glow you desire with Votre Vu Nouveau Glow. Through a gentle blend of bergamot, healing bilberry, and AHA loaded citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit and orange, the formula resurfaces skin without irritation. What separates this at-home peel from the other recommendations in this rundown is the use of highly emollient ingredients like Vitamin E, papaya extract and sunflower seed oil….making this peel deeply moisturizing and incredibly soothing. While the product is labeled as safe for all skin types, I imagine that more mature skin types will appreciate the hydrating benefits. $45

Continuing with the trend toward sugar cane derived exfoliants, Bambola Glycolic Sugar Cane Exfoliant is effective at accelerating the removal of dead skin, increasing collagen production, and reducing the appearance of slight facial creasing, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. This serum also incorporates a balance of smoothing and soothing ingredients…Apple Acid is used to smooth and firm while cucumber nourishes and clarifies. $48

The name says it all. LIERAC Comfort Peel is a 2-in-1 daily moisturizer and face peel treatment. This ultra gentle formula contains time-released glycolic and salicylic acid which leaves skin deeply exfoliated and perfectly hydrated. The slow release of 1% salicylic and 4% glycolic acid optimizes effectiveness, while living up to the product’s claim of “comfort”. No tingling or burning sensations here! $52

Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel is a sure-fire oldie but goodie, and is widely available online and in-store via Sephora. The two-piece kit contains a 2 oz container of Lactic/Salicylic Activating Gel and a small 2 oz tube of Vitamin C/ Peptide Resurfacing Crystals. I love products that have a “participation” element and Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel satisfies. After applying the Resurfacing crystals to dry skin, the activator gel is applied over the crystals. From there a warming sensation takes over and a foam appears…this tells me that the product is going to work to break down the yucky disgusting layer of dead surface skin…and fresh, rejuvenated skin in en route! $65

I hope you’ve enjoyed my run down of my favorite “peels” of the moment. I tried to cover a range of products at different price points that work well for a variety of skin types – acne prone, oily, mature, dry.

Please comment and share your thoughts. Do you see a product that appeals to you? Have you tried any of my recommendations? Was this post over-kill with 8 recommendations? Do you feel there was something for everyone?

Highly effective exfoliation is an important part of a good skincare regime. It is generally recommended that you exfoliate on a weekly basis…roughly 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type.

ThisThatBeauty Babes know all about my monthly, deeply intensive, professionally administered Silk Peels. But when it comes to my weekly “at-home” exfoliation, I tend to go the slow/gentle route and incorporate products containing glycolic acid/enzymes. On the rare occasion I will bring in the big guns and use a gentle manual exfoliator. But again, this is rare and only necessary after I’ve been bad to my skin and need help with some serious build up.

I have recently discovered a wonderfully effective yet gentle at home exfoliation product that deserves your full attention. Renee Rouleau, a Dallas based skincare expert and aesthetician, offers a line of more than 60 results oriented products that blend nature and science.

After reading the directions on the jar I dove right in. I washed my face with a gentle cleanser, applied a generous layer of Pumpkin Smoothing Peel all over my face, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Upon applying the peel to my skin I took note of a few things –

The tiny granules. Not sure what these granules are but they’re very fine and I pray they are non-abrasive.

Pumpkin strings? Is that Pumpkin string? Wow! Can’t wait to see the effect these pumpkin strings will have on my face!

The fluffy consistency. Kinda like a Pumpkin Smoothie!

After applying the peel and waiting the obligatory 10 minutes. I went to moisten my face to remove, because that’s usually what’s required with these types of peels, but then I recalled the directions..and it said to massage in circular motions and THEN remove with water?

WHAT? No water to moisten the peel first! Nope…not according to the directions. So I cautiously proceeded and massaged the peel in gentle circular motions.

Much to my surprise and pleasure, the removal process was extremely pleasant and non abrasive. As I massaged gentle circles, the peel kind of balled up and rolled off my face. I didn’t feel any abrasiveness from the tiny granules. In fact, the peel felt extremely hydrating as I massaged in circular motions. The whole time I was thinking “WOW, this is some good stuff”. You all know I’ve been on a hydration kick lately so I was totally feeling the hydrating effects of the Pumpkin Smoothing Peel. I also love how plump and moisturized my skin felt after the peel.

Highly effective exfoliation is an important part of a good skincare regime. It is generally recommended that you exfoliate on a weekly basis…roughly 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type.

ThisThatBeauty Babes know all about my monthly, deeply intensive, professionally administered Silk Peels. But when it comes to my weekly “at-home” exfoliation, I tend to go the slow/gentle route and incorporate products containing glycolic acid/enzymes. On the rare occasion I will bring in the big guns and use a gentle manual exfoliator. But again, this is rare and only necessary after I’ve been bad to my skin and need help with some serious build up.

I have recently discovered a wonderfully effective yet gentle at home exfoliation product that deserves your full attention. Renee Rouleau, a Dallas based skincare expert and aesthetician, offers a line of more than 60 results oriented products that blend nature and science.

After reading the directions on the jar I dove right in. I washed my face with a gentle cleanser, applied a generous layer of Pumpkin Smoothing Peel all over my face, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Upon applying the peel to my skin I took note of a few things –

The tiny granules. Not sure what these granules are but they’re very fine and I pray they are non-abrasive.

Pumpkin strings? Is that Pumpkin string? Wow! Can’t wait to see the effect these pumpkin strings will have on my face!

The fluffy consistency. Kinda like a Pumpkin Smoothie!

After applying the peel and waiting the obligatory 10 minutes. I went to moisten my face to remove, because that’s usually what’s required with these types of peels, but then I recalled the directions..and it said to massage in circular motions and THEN remove with water?

WHAT? No water to moisten the peel first! Nope…not according to the directions. So I cautiously proceeded and massaged the peel in gentle circular motions.

Much to my surprise and pleasure, the removal process was extremely pleasant and non abrasive. As I massaged gentle circles, the peel kind of balled up and rolled off my face. I didn’t feel any abrasiveness from the tiny granules. In fact, the peel felt extremely hydrating as I massaged in circular motions. The whole time I was thinking “WOW, this is some good stuff”. You all know I’ve been on a hydration kick lately so I was totally feeling the hydrating effects of the Pumpkin Smoothing Peel. I also love how plump and moisturized my skin felt after the peel.

Your girl’s been real anti-TTB lately. It is extremely rare but, oh yes, I have my moments too. As y’all know, my skincare regime is super serious and I faithfully handle my skin care handle morning and night. As of late my regime has fallen off a taste. But I’m dying to share with you the product that’s getting my skin back on track.

These amazing little miracle workers are designed to exfoliate and prime the skin for makeup application. The cloths are extremely gentle, remove build up and old makeup residue to reveal smooth, healthy, glowing skin.

After a few swipes of a cloth, with my fav cleanser, its as if all skin care neglect has been forgiven.

If you’ve been a bad girl and have been neglecting your mug, get yourself back on track with Cargo blu_ray Polishing Cloths. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

Back on track,

Felicia

blu_ray™ Polishing ClothsWhat it is:A boxed set of facial exfoliating cloths designed to exfoliate and prime the skin.

What it does:Created to provide picture-perfect results during high definition filming, the blu_ray™ Polishing Cloth micro-exfoliates to reveal smoother, healthier, more radiant skin. It removes old makeup, prevents blackheads and acne, and reduces the signs of sun damage. This effective primer is designed to prepare the skin prior to the application of moisturizer and cosmetics.

What else you need to know:It improves the efficacy and penetration of moisturizers and allows for a smoother application of foundation, reducing the look of fine lines. It’s great for all skin types. The cloths are washable and reusable.

Your girl’s been real anti-TTB lately. It is extremely rare but, oh yes, I have my moments too. As y’all know, my skincare regime is super serious and I faithfully handle my skin care handle morning and night. As of late my regime has fallen off a taste. But I’m dying to share with you the product that’s getting my skin back on track.

These amazing little miracle workers are designed to exfoliate and prime the skin for makeup application. The cloths are extremely gentle, remove build up and old makeup residue to reveal smooth, healthy, glowing skin.

After a few swipes of a cloth, with my fav cleanser, its as if all skin care neglect has been forgiven.

If you’ve been a bad girl and have been neglecting your mug, get yourself back on track with Cargo blu_ray Polishing Cloths. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

Back on track,

Felicia

blu_ray™ Polishing ClothsWhat it is:A boxed set of facial exfoliating cloths designed to exfoliate and prime the skin.

What it does:Created to provide picture-perfect results during high definition filming, the blu_ray™ Polishing Cloth micro-exfoliates to reveal smoother, healthier, more radiant skin. It removes old makeup, prevents blackheads and acne, and reduces the signs of sun damage. This effective primer is designed to prepare the skin prior to the application of moisturizer and cosmetics.

What else you need to know:It improves the efficacy and penetration of moisturizers and allows for a smoother application of foundation, reducing the look of fine lines. It’s great for all skin types. The cloths are washable and reusable.